Word family noun dependant dependence ≠ independence dependency adjective dependable dependent ≠ independent verb depend adverb dependably independently
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishdependentde‧pen‧dent1 /dɪˈpendənt/ ●●○ W3 adjective 1 NEEDDEPEND ON/RELY ONneeding someone or something in order to exist, be successful, be healthy etc OPP independentdependent on/upon Norway’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. Jan’s mother was dependent on her for physical care. Do you have any dependent children (=who you are still supporting financially)?2 ADDICTEDaddicted to drugs, alcohol etcdependent on/upon the needs of people dependent on drugs a danger of becoming alcohol dependent3 → be dependent on/upon somethingGrammarSomeone or something is dependent on something: We are all dependent on computers. ✗Don’t say: dependent of somethingExamples from the Corpus
dependent• It's almost impossible to take tranquilizers for long without becoming dependent.• She has one dependent child aged 16.• Do you have any dependent children?• Far more people are dependent on alcohol than we realize.• In the absence of agricultural support, the women and children become dependent on government.• It is not only the United States that has become dependent on imports of oil.• With wild cats it ensures that the animals do not become totally dependent on one kind of prey.• About 10% of the population is dependent on some form of drug.• Since the value of the resulting output is highly dependent on these components, they should be given early and careful consideration.• The whole thing is about gaining trust, is dependent on trust.• The dependence thesis does not claim that authorities always act for dependent reasons, but merely that they should do so.dependent on/upon• Even the approach taken by the new head of customer service and quality was dependent on direction from the top.• In three short months she didn't need the medication she had been dependent on for years.• He is dependent on Karl, his Seeing Eye dog, to lead him.• Table 14.1 brings together the available information on the growth in the numbers of people dependent on means-tested welfare.• Nancy Kwan played a mindless tart, utterly dependent upon men.• Small businesses dependent on the government also are feeling the pinch.• Is his identity dependent upon the particular choice of electrons, protons, and other particles that compose those atoms?• Hypnosis and electroconvulsive therapy were tried but had no effect, and he became heavily dependent on tranquillizers.• But the catering is also heavily dependent on vending machines, which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.dependent on/upon• Even the approach taken by the new head of customer service and quality was dependent on direction from the top.• In three short months she didn't need the medication she had been dependent on for years.• Table 14.1 brings together the available information on the growth in the numbers of people dependent on means-tested welfare.• Nancy Kwan played a mindless tart, utterly dependent upon men.• Small businesses dependent on the government also are feeling the pinch.• Is his identity dependent upon the particular choice of electrons, protons, and other particles that compose those atoms?• Hypnosis and electroconvulsive therapy were tried but had no effect, and he became heavily dependent on tranquillizers.• But the catering is also heavily dependent on vending machines, which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.dependentdependent2 noun [countable] the American spelling of dependantFrom Longman Business Dictionarydependentde‧pen‧dent /dɪˈpendənt/ adjective needing another person to provide money, food, clothes etcDo you have any dependent children?dependent on/uponNorway’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. 